re

Honestly, If you have no problem with budget, you should pick up one of each. They all have there own sound to them. Like someone always says on here of those high end comps, they are not better than one another just has a different sound, and I don't know off hand what each one is but one could be vca and one could be optical or vari-mu. One compressor might do the job for one singer and maybe another comp will do the job on that other band/project that you're working on, etc. What are you going to be using this comp for, Voice-overs, bands, certain instruments, just vocals, kick drum only, bass. maybe you should think about a really good preamp too or a combo with pre and comp that can be used at the same time or seperately.

just my 2cents

hey man,
i just got a distressor a month ago and i am really loving it - i had a limited budget and i wanted world class sound with some flexibility...the distressor delivers: british mode (all-buttons in on 1176), opto mode (ala la-2a), nuke, can dial in 2nd (tube) and 3rd (tape) harmonic distortion - plus a couple of filters...it really is a great machine! i got it coz a buddy told me if you can only afford one great compressor then get a distressor coz it can do a lot of things very well - plus there are no tubes to replace etc! everybody uses 1176s and La-2as and the distressor can sound like both plus a heap of other tones...do i sound like i'm happy with my purchase or what?!!!
have fun on your quest man!

I'm with the bloke from Australia.
I would look into the Distressor w/Brit mod.

It's called the "Swiss Army knife" of compressors for a reason.
Mostly marketing, but in this case an accurate description.

Chris

Yeah to the Distressor.....Also the UA 2-1176...Its not so much that its really like the originals, I dont think it sounds much like em at all, but it is a nice unit and can squish really well if thats yer bag..Still, the Distressor is really good and does what it says its supposed to.....and more.The Focusrite Red 3 is a really great VCA based compressor and can do the compression without artifacts very well.I have heard great things about the Millennia TCL-2.Its Opto based and has their twin topology thing where they use tubes and FET's and you can choose between the two on the output..Chris from Little Dog Audio will have a more accurate description of this unit....

The TCL-2 (Twincom) is totally in a different ballpark compared to the Distressor, LA-2A ect. Being that it's transformerless, it inparts much less color (subjective term alert) to the signal.

I've been demo-ing the Twincom at my studio over the last several weeks and found it to be a great compressor when you don't want to actually hear a compressor but need the gain reduction.

With the twin-topology, you get the choice of a JFET or vacuum tube for the amplifier stage. The effect is a bit on the subtle side but becomes more apparent as the input is driven harded.

The twincom is all about staying out of the way of the original source. So, you have to ask yourself if you want a compressor that acts as a coloring device or not. If yes, the Distressor is one to consider.

Hope this helps,

Chris

If money is no object, the Neve 33609 wouold be my first choice.

Thanks everybody for your quick help.
I have to say taht this compressor is going to be last piece I would buy for now.
Amongst my gear I have:
- Neve: 1073 x 2 ; 1081 x 2
- UA: 8110 (8 Channel Precision Mic Pre) ; 2-610
-Focusrite x 24 (Control 24)
- Amek Pure Path
-Distressor EL-8 Distressor (Brit Mod)

The thing is that lately I had some producers working in my studio and they suggested me about getting a valve comp to have better variety.
I have found some vintage Urei 1176LN (Silver) for about €1400
Wolud you buy vintage instead? What you guys think?

Hey, what do you like to use the 8110 on?
Mucho appreciated.

Chris

I wanted to get an 8 similar preamps to substitute the focusrite, cause normally I record drums with only 8 mics and I was advice of those UA. Any complain on those?

I don't know, you tell me. You own them.

Are they good on drums?

Chris

Sorry mate I misunderstood you. I am Spanish and sometime my English is not that great.
Well, although I have added it to the list I am still waiting for them. I've been promised to be the firs in UK to use them. :roll: well you know, that's what they say...
Anyway, what do you say about the comp?

How long since the 'vintage' piece has seen a doctor?...And thanx Chris on the overview on the Millennia Twin-com....sounds like my kinda piece.....I want ALL of the gear to 'Stay out of the Way'....it leaves room for mic choice and placement and finding that spot in the room where all is well......!

It has been serviced and got a warranty for 6 months. What do you think?

Well, thanks everyone for your responses.
Any other idea?
If not I'll go for the UA.
I hope to help you guys sometime, somehow...
Greetings from London.